Fulham's Hugo Rodallega (L) celebrates with team-mate Dimitar Berbatov after scoring against Newcastle United during their Premier League match at Craven Cottage (Reuters)

Jol's side had not won in seven games but took the lead through a deflected Steve Sidwell effort and secured a much-needed three points when Hugo Rodallega headed home just nine minutes after Hatem Ben Arfa had levelled for the visitors.

Jol said: "We had that spell (of poor results) that started against Sunderland with the red card and two big injuries for us. That was very disappointing for us and then after that we couldn't play Bryan Ruiz - he was out for four weeks for us. I was happy that Berbatov, after talking to him, could fill in that role (behind the striker)."

He went on: "It was vital, he didn't score so that was disappointing, but on the other hand he linked us up and kept the team together - I was very happy with him."

Berbatov's arrival was hailed as something of a coup for Jol and according to the Dutchman, both he and his squad are aware of how important the former Spurs striker is to Fulham.

"The good thing about my squad is that they realise Berbatov is an outstanding player," he said.

"For me the most important thing is that after losing (Clint) Dempsey - who is making the difference for Spurs now, as well as (Mousa) Dembele plus Danny Murphy and Bryan Ruiz (through injury) I'm very happy that he came to this club because otherwise maybe we could have ended up with a little problem."

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, who has not seen his side win away from St James' Park since May 2, was also full of praise for Berbatov's performance.

"He was special tonight," he said.

"Everything he seemed to pluck out of the sky, everything seemed to die on his toe - he was a real problem. I thought we did much better in the second half with him but he is a class act when he is in the mood and when the TV cameras are here and he is a real problem."